SAF-HOLLAND Electrical Co-Op Rotation 3
Alexander
Experience Information
Employer: SAF Holland
Job Title: Electrical Engineering Intern
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
SAF-HOLLAND is a leading international manufacturer of systems and components for commercial vehicles including trailers, trucks and buses. The product range comprises axle and suspension systems, fifth wheels, kingpins and trailer landing gear. SAF-HOLLAND, Inc. is the Michigan-based subsidiary of SAF-HOLLAND, S.A. which had sales of approximately EUR 1,138.9 million in 2017 and more than 4,100 employees. The Group currently has locations in 28 countries and is active on six continents. It sells its products to original equipment manufacturers and spare parts distribution, and works closely with fleet operators and trucking companies.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
During my Co-Op experience I have completed new technology research, experimental analysis, and prototype development. In my experience I researched a variety of electrical technology applications, specifically in sensor technologies. A significant amount of my Co-Op experience involved experimental analysis of both electrical hardware and software applications, which included simulations, testing, and measurement using instruments such as oscilloscopes, DMMs, current probes, and other observational tools. The experimental analysis included hypothesis testing and validation, as well as documentation of testing and evaluation. I was fortunate to work on new product development projects which included making prototypes, exploratory models, and generating testing tools. Throughout the process I performed multiple types of documentation, presentations, and reports.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
Through my experience I gained great experience in experimentation, testing, validation, and evaluation. I experienced a great diversity of software and hardware electrical applications and developed skills and experience in the design process. I was fortunate have experiences in many phases of the research and design process for new products and prototypes. I learned a lot about the process of evaluation and problem solving, and was fortunate to experience programming in multiple languages and with many different microcontroller applications.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship experience was the design, testing, validating, and prototyping process for new products. I was very fortunate to have great mentorship and support throughout my experience and learned an incredible amount from my coworkers. More than learning new tools and skills my coworkers helped me learn how to think through processes, test and experiment, and resolve challenging problems throughout the process of development.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
My experience has supported and encouraged my ambition to work in research and design of electrical products. I had an incredible experience working and observing the creative application of design and development of new products and technology applications. This experience further increased my curiosity, interest, and appreciation for engineering and great respect for the engineering process.